The 2008-2009 Lions Board of Directors.

Lion Pete Salazar installing eight new Lion members.

Lions Mel Spain and Kainie Manuel added humor to the night with their lively skit.

On Saturday, July 12th, 2008, the San Pedro Lions Club was in full spirits celebrating its 33rd Board of Directors Installation. The new board will handle the executive decision making of the club for the fiscal year of 2008-2009. During the festive ceremony, eight individuals were also installed as new members of the club and committed to hold the lionistic spirit high.

    The ceremonies commenced with Master of Ceremonies Jorge Aldana calling the club to order and after a prayer and the national anthem was sung, everyone waited for the official ceremonies to commence. Lion Angel Nuñez, founding member of the San Pedro Lions Club was on hand to impart and liven the Lions spirit. Through laughter and jokes, Lion Angel spoke of the Lions Code of Ethics and the reasons people join the club. “If you join the organization for personal gain, you are joining for the wrong reason. […] The club is an organization that serves the community and those in need and if that is the reason you are joining then welcome. […] Bear in mind that the Lions spirit goes further than the club and becomes part of your life. […] As business individuals we should remember the Code of Ethics especially the one that states that in building up your business it is not necessary to tear down another’s. Don’t use the other business weakness to improve yours.”

    The following item on the agenda was the installation of the eight new members. Lion Pete Salazar, Past District Governor, had the honor of welcoming them as part of the club and made sure that they understood the responsibilities that lie when becoming a member of the International Lions Club. All eight members accepted and are now full fledged Lions. They include: Dr. Franklin Hernandez, Jorge Aldana, Tamara Sniffin, David Martinez, Roberto Canul, Maribel Vasquez, Marina Kay, and Bernadette Reyes.

    After the new members were welcomed, the installation of the new board was carried on by Lion Ali Kisling of the Belmopan Lions Club. Installed as the Board of Directors were President – Eiden Salazar; Immediate Past President – Alex Nuñez, Secretary – Edilberto Marin; Treasurer – Abel Guerrero; 1st Vice President – Kainie Manuel; 2nd Vice President – Melanie Paz; 3rd Vice President – Conchita Flota; 1st Year Directors – Lupe Casarez and Baldemar Graniel; 2nd Year Directors – Mel Spain and Nelly Sabido; Lion Tamer – Gonzalo Lara; Tail Twister – Melly Kumul; and Membership Chairman – Pedro Salazar Sr.

    Guest Speaker for the evening was Honorable Lion Manuel Heredia Jr. who spoke of the virtues of being a Lion and the importance of keeping the spirit alive. He stated that the Club does great good for the community, the country and the world and hence it is highly important to keep the club active and involved. “Keeping it alive lies in the individual Lions who need to make an extra effort to be active,” he stated.

    Adding laughter and humor to the evening, were Lions Mel Spain and Kainie Manuel who re-enacted the skit which won the San Pedro Lions Club second place in the Belize Lions Convention held in San Estevan of this year. Through jokes, the Lioness highlighted the work that the Lions carry out day-to-day and the fact that, unfortunately, the “Lions deh pan intensive care.” The skit encouraged new and old members to keep working hand in hand for the betterment of the community.

    When all formalities were done, Lions enjoyed a scrumptious turkey dinner with all the trimmings, as well as dessert. Games were also the order of the night and had Lions competing in musical chairs and balloon games to win prizes which came courtesy of Wine de Vine, Premium Wines and the Liquor Box.